Explore Guatemala's Living Culture
Curated cultural travel experiences
We curate the most extraordinary cultural journeys in Guatemala, from ancient Maya traditions to living festivals, offering access few travelers ever experience.
Signature Experiences
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Guatemala with our handpicked experiences.

Garifuna Celebration - Nov 22-28 2026
In this exciting Guatemalan adventure, explore the heritage of one of Guatemala’s most remote and enduring cultures. This journey that will take you through two worlds, from the Maya in the highlands to the Garifuna on the Caribbean coast. You’ll take part in Garifuna Festival, a lively celebration marking the arrival of the Garifuna people to Guatemala more than 200 years ago.

Semana Santa - March 27 - April 5, 2026
Experience Semana Santa (Easter) as no one else offers it: from Antigua’s solemn processions and fleeting alfombras, to the Tz’utujil traída de frutas at Lake Atitlán, and the penitential crawlers of San Andrés Sajcabajá. This exclusive journey unites three distinct cultural expressions into one unforgettable passage through Guatemala’s most sacred week.

Rabin Ajaw July 23 - 27, 2026
Journey into the highlands for Rabin Ajaw, Guatemala’s “Daughter of the King” celebration, where pageantry and tradition converge in a vibrant homage to Maya heritage. Amidst music, dance, and ancestral ritual, witness the crowning of a cultural ambassador chosen not for beauty, but for wisdom, leadership, and devotion to community. This rare experience offers an intimate window into living Maya identity at its most radiant.
Garifuna Celebration - Nov 22-28 2026
〉〉 On Guatemala’s Caribbean coast, the rhythms of drums welcome you into the world of the Garifuna, an Afro-Indigenous culture rooted in centuries of resilience. Each November, the town of Livingston transforms into a celebration of life, heritage, and identity, where music and movement embody the enduring spirit of its people.
〉〉 The streets come alive with traditional dance as locals welcome travelers with warmth and pride. You feel the cadence of the drums beneath your feet, the history carried in each song, and the spirit of a community whose strength lives in its joy.
〉〉 This journey connects two distinct worlds: the mysticism of the Mayan highlands and the vibrant soul of the Caribbean. Together they reveal a side of Guatemala few have experienced, a land where culture breathes, stories are shared face to face, and every moment deepens your understanding of what it means to belong.
Semana Santa - March 27 - April 5, 2026
〉〉 Every spring, Guatemala becomes a living masterpiece of faith, art, and tradition. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, unfolds across towns and villages with a beauty that transcends devotion. From the sound of drums and incense in the air to the streets adorned with colored sawdust, the country transforms into a moving celebration that reflects its deepest cultural spirit.
〉〉 This signature journey begins in Antigua on Palm Sunday, where processions and art merge in powerful expression. It continues to Lake Atitlán for La Traída de la Fruta in San Juan La Laguna, a vibrant ritual of gratitude and color. The experience concludes in the highlands, where the Crawlers’ ceremony unveils one of Guatemala’s most intimate and spiritual traditions.
〉〉 Created for those who seek authenticity and connection, this experience offers a privileged view into Guatemala’s living heritage. It is a journey through devotion and beauty, an invitation to witness how faith and art intertwine to tell the story of a country that celebrates its soul through tradition.
Rabin Ajaw July 23 - 27, 2026
〉〉 High in the mountains of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala’s Indigenous communities gather for Rabin Ajaw, which means Daughter of the King or of the Creator. It is one of the country’s most meaningful cultural celebrations, honoring the wisdom, beauty, and strength of the Maya people from across the nation.
〉〉 During this journey, you will witness the election of Rabin Ajaw, the Indigenous Queen of Guatemala, a ceremony filled with music, color, and ancestral pride. The town of Cobán comes alive with processions, Maya ceremonies, and traditional dances that reflect centuries of heritage and unity.
〉〉 Designed for travelers seeking authenticity and purpose, this experience offers a rare window into Guatemala’s living heritage. It is a celebration of identity and belonging, where culture is not performed but lived with grace, dignity, and joy.
Curated Stays
Handpicked boutique hotels that immerse you in Guatemala’s culture and landscapes. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and tradition.
Fernando Ruiz Matamoros
Fernando Ruiz Matamoros is the creator of The Guatemala List, a project focused on documenting and sharing Guatemala’s living traditions. Born and raised in Guatemala, his work centers on gaining respectful access to cultural events and practices through close collaboration with local communities.
Through The Guatemala List, Fernando brings travelers into cultural moments as they unfold, offering carefully curated experiences shaped by festivals, rituals, food, and everyday life, with local context and respect at the core of each journey.
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Embark on Your Cultural Journey
Join us at The Guatemala List and dive into the vibrant tapestry of Guatemala’s living culture. Our curated experiences, led by the expert guidance of Fernando Ruiz Matamoros, offer you unparalleled access to cultural events that few have the privilege to witness. Whether you’re a cultural explorer, a passionate photographer, or a videographer eager to capture the world, our unique journeys are crafted just for you. Don’t miss the chance to be part of these exclusive adventures.




